Oda looked like he was SO focused and nervous during last nights short, more-so than I think I've ever seen him. Hopefully being the next in line outside the group of 90-pointers will give him confidence for a job well done and no pressure for the free skate, which is definitely the stronger of his two programs this year. I wish him the best!

I agree, he really looked very nervous. Not only during the program, but also afterwards - one would expect a skater to be happy after a clean SP at the Olympics, but he just... looked sort of resigned. Morozov actually looked happier out of the two. That being said, at least he stayed on his feet - a rather impressive feat for a guy who repeatedly stated that he can get so nervous that he can't hear his own music or feel his legs. Hopefully this will give him confidence for the future - and the good news is that he said that he won't retire after Olympics (he will go back to University, though. )

My one worry is that the Japanese media seem to molest both Nobunari and Daisuke quite a lot, judging from the amount of new articles that pop up.

"My family and my fans supported me in those very difficult times. I want to give them something back. This is why I want to perform well at those Olympics."

In his free skate he will compete with his Chaplin LP, which became a trademark program for him. "This is exactly the vehicle I wanted." The gentle comical tone of the program was created to fit the Olympics and the time has come to show it on the dream stage. "I will do things that I practiced so hard, so I believe that I'll be fine for sure."
With laughter and tears painting on the ice the image of the king of comedy, the Oda clan will aim for another trophy.

I probably killed all the poetic-ness of the descriptions... Kudos to the writer, I was moved by this article. And it made me realize that never once I heard Nobunari say that he wants to win for himself... It's always for his family, fans, coaches; a gift of gratitude.

Museksk8r, saying Evan Lysacek makes you "ashamed to be an American" is pretty low on many levels. He deserves your respect and nothing less. He works his head off trying to put together great programs. I am not a Rachael Flatt fan but I sure do respect her work ethic and the effort she puts out there. I have never been "ashamed to be an American." I count my lucky stars that I am one. You sure should too.

I have never been "ashamed to be an American." I count my lucky stars that I am one. You sure should too.

Right now, I dearly wish I was in Europe so I could take advantage of their many Olympic streams. But I'm stuck in the US where NBC refuses to broadcast most events, keep the streaming to premium cable subscribers, and shut down any pirate feeds they find. Plus, Western Europe has much faster internet speeds. Oh god why am I cursed to be American? Why?

To gsrossano

Where's the vomit emoticon? Seeing all the hyped love and salivation over same old, blah, unmusical, arm flailing, horrible 3Axel technique, quadless, greasehead, labored Evan makes me ashamed to be an American. I'm sorry, I just don't get at all what anyone sees in the guy's skating. I can think of several skaters around the world who are leaps and bounds better than he is. Just because he's a tough competitor doesn't mean he should get high PCS as if he's this great artist on the ice that he is not. I'd rather have anyone win but Evan.

I don't like him (much) either, but this statement makes me raise my eyebrows just a bit. Is he really that repulsive to you? Really?

I admit, not a fan of his skating, but he has a good work ethic that a lot of us can learn from.

Didn't you find ilemi.com? They had the whole thing. Last night it was the first Olympic link.

Of course, but I'd still rather have a professional stream from a reputable source, preferably in high-def. And the feeds I do fine get shut down a lot, by NBC and other media mafia types. The exporting of copyright monopoly is another reason being American makes me queasy. And after all, you can't spell queasy without USA.

Don't get the Lambeil thing at all. Yes, the spins are great, but he often looks awkward and out of control to me. His landings often look like he is about to sit down, and he has no line when he lands - no stretched leg and no lifted upper back. Just not my deal. I do see his strengths, but I love a long line so much. I think he will not stand up, as usual.

Should be a great night of skating!!

Thank you! I always feel so alone when I say how I don't get the Lambiel thing either. Yes, he's great, but I don't find him to be as insanely special as people make him out to be. And with all the talk about people doing/not doing the quad, I find it more insane that so many people hype up a skater without the (essentially) mandatory triple axel. To me not having a triple axel is much more horrendous than not having a quad...

IMO he should be in 6th after the SP, behind Johnny and just barely ahead of Chan.

i know he couldnt jump 3A, and he got little bit high PCS.
but he have been leading the men's figure skate field for a couple of years.
i think he was fairly judged and wll have the chance to get a medal.